Who will really pay for the wall?

When he wanted our vote, President Trump told us, over and over, that he’d make Mexico pay for a wall. Why is he now asking us to pay for it?

He told us, again and again, “believe me,” his higher intellect and deal-making skills would make Mexico pay for it. Why is he now asking us to?

He didn’t tell us, that for decades American businesses welcomed undocumented workers to lower costs, or that he employed those workers in his own business.

If there’s a problem worth solving, it’s always best to begin with the truth.

Dave Colavito

Rock Hill, NY

Progressive Agriculture Organization:The new farm bill doesn’t cut it

Despite many claims from several people, the new Farm Bill only potentially covers some of the dairymen’s losses. Just like the former Margin Insurance Program—which we always referred to as being ill-fated and poorly conceived—the new program, if it does what it is supposed to do, it will leave over 50% of the cost of production unaddressed. However, we want to thank Congressman Collin Peterson and others for giving the average dairy farmer much consideration.

Right now you have two choices: Tell everyone not to participate in the program or sign up for the program and receive some needed financial help.

If I was still an active dairy farmer, I would sign up for at least the five-million-pound provision, and maybe more.

Pro-Ag has not changed our official position, and that is, we don’t think dairy farmers should have to buy into an insurance program to help cover their losses. I don’t think that U.S. Congress should use the taxpayers’ money to subsidize dairy farmers’ losses.

We think a fair pricing system, and a supply management program (if needed) would work to solve the financial dilemma facing the majority of dairy farmers. Such provisions are still contained in the Federal Milk Marketing Improvement Act.  This program would benefit dairy farmers, consumers, and yes, even milk processors.

I believe you should now go for the program being offered for the time being.

Right after Christmas, we will be sending thousands of petitions to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and will be asking him to hold several hearings across the country to give dairy farmers an opportunity to testify. He should not listen only to National Milk Producers Association and IDFA concerning the needs of our dairy farmers. We also must continue our efforts to get whole milk in our schools, including flavored milk.

The Congress, by passing this dairy provision in the Farm Bill, proves one more time that the present pricing system is not fair to our dairy farmers, and needs to be changed.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Arden Tewksbury, manager of Pro-Ag

Meshoppen, PA